The Smyrna High School Eagles football team is off to a 2-1 start this season. Helping the team out on the offensive and defensive side of the ball is junior running back/safety Maurice McFolling, who has 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in three games.

While McFolling, 17, is having a good start to the season, he credits it to his teammates and said without his father he wouldn't be as serious about the game. McFolling took a few minutes during practice last week to talk football.

Q How did you get into football?

A Actually I've never played organized football before high school. Growing up, I'd come home after school and the first thing I'd do is change into some football clothes and we'd go out to the field to play. We called it the field, we'd tell our friends a meeting time and go out in the backyard and play football for two hours every night until winter since the first grade.

Q What do you like about playing football?

A Just love of the game and playing with a team. I love being competitive; I'm a big competitor. It's the rush, adrenaline and the Friday night lights. I love the game.

My dad played football at Alabama University. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be as serious about football. He's a really good football player. He's teaching me to be a mentally good player and athlete.

Q How do you feel about your performance so far?

A Honestly, I didn't know what to expect [coming into the season]. We lost a lot of seniors and people were doubting Smyrna could win. I let it get to my head a little bit but not completely. I try to have the mindset to play out every game.

I didn't expect this but I can always do better. I'm never satisfied with my play.

Q Do you have any personal goals this year?

A I want to get a scholarship, not athletically but academically. I just want to focus on my grades this year and my senior year. I'm shooting for all A's, that's hard but I'm going to do the best I can. My dad said if football doesn't work out I can fall back on my grades.

Q Do you have a team goal for the season?

A We're not worrying about the end of the season but the next game. We're not thinking of being 9-1 but 2-1, then we can start thinking of 3-1 and then 4-1. Right now we're thinking about 2-1. As the season ends, hopefully the playoffs.